December 18, 1960 – April 13, 2023
With broken hearts we announce the passing of Roderick Donald Gilchrist. Rod was a loving partner, father, brother, cousin, neighbour, great friend and inspiration to many.
Rod will be lovingly remembered by his soulmate, Kim; sister, Veanne; children, Devin (Matt), Rhys (April) and Christina; grandchildren, Saphire and Parker; step daughters, Erin and Keri; friend/son, Joey; and dogs, Levi and Rusty.
Rod is predeceased by his father, Donald; mother, Beatrice; grandfather, Archie; grandmother, Daisy, who inspired his love for nature; and grandparents, George and Dora. Rod always said he wished he had more time with his father.
Rod leaves behind so many friends that were more like family. Rod always had time for everyone. He accepted people for who they were with fondness. He always made time for anybody who called or stopped by the house regardless what he was up to his elbows in. Rod’s lake family is a huge part of his life.
In life, Rod was many things and he had many hobbies. To name a few: bike and car enthusiast inspired by his grandpa Archie and father Donald, captain of his grandfather Archie’s boat, carpenter, mechanic, director/actor/filmmaker, author and musician. His knowledge of movie and music history was amazing.
Rod’s dream was to renovate his home that grandpa Archie and father Donald built. Together with Kim, that dream was accomplished, along with the help of many kind friends and family members.
Many thanks to Dr. Bruneau with Cancercare for his kindness and honesty when helping us through Rod’s last “ride”. The staff at Pinawa Hospital, Pinawa Cancercare, Pinawa Emergency, and EMS, all demonstrated love, care and compassion.
As per Rod’s request cremation has taken place and a celebration of his LIFE will be held in the near future.
Rod loved LIFE and had a strong desire to LIVE. In Rod’s memory donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
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Kevin Blakely
My condolences to all of Rods family.
Darcy and Norma Dennis
We were saddened to hear that Rod took his final ride home. Our sincere condolences to Rod’s family and friends
Shelley Zawidoski Fedoruk
I remember seeing Rod at parties when we were young. I think I used to call him Jesus. I recently had been following Tod and Kim on Facebook enjoying their stories. I am shocked the last chapter came so soon.
Sadly,
Shelley Zawidoski Fedoruk.
Denise
Ride on Muchacho!
Ray Plouffe
Rod was one of a kind and close friend of mine right from High School and on. Spent many late nights and early mornings laughing and discussing life’s ups and downs.
He was a man of his word and took life in stride no matter what it thru at him. Over the last few years didn’t get to visit with him as much but we had a lifetime of memories good and bad ones. But was alway happy to have a few more laughs when we crossed paths, here and there. Enjoy the other side to the fullest my friend.
My condolences go out to his family, be strong and and never stop mentioning his name this way he’s never gone completely.
Evelin and Cliff Anderson
We want to express our deepest sympathy to Kim and Rod’s family. We will miss all the happy times at Rod’s bonfires. He was a legend at Nutimik Lake and will be missed by all. ❤️
Evelin and Cliff, Collin, Corey, Ashley and Peyton
Werner Kroeger
I have many fond memories of Rod. Growing up together, we shared many adventures.
Please accept my sincerest condolences. He will be greatly missed.
Denise Burnell
Our condolences to all family and friends. Tim, our son, loved him so much.
Cheryl Fournier
My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Gerald O’Toole
Was so sad to hear of Rod’s passing. I will always remember him as a kind and caring man.
RIP Rod.
Michael and a Ingrid Tomiak
Our sympathies to Rhys, Devin and family. We will miss Rod and his unwavering support of birchroad. I first meet Rod in 1973 driving my mini bike up and down birchroad and have fond memories of the years and our interactions since. RIP Rod
Douglas Monkman
My condolences to Rod’s family.
Paul Turnley
The first time I met Rod was in Portage La Prairie at Henry Bunicks in 1993 as I was there to buy my first Harley Davidson motorcycle with Chad Wachtendorf. The four of us got to talking around a heater in a garage as it was Winter time and Rod was an interesting nice guy. I bought the Harley on the spot and we all loaded it up and Chad and I were on our way. RIP Rod
Dennis
Very fond memories of long ago.Big loss to everyone.
Carl
Met Rod in the late 90’s. Great knowledge sharer and history teller. Meticulous in what he was building/doing at that time . He’s going to be missed by all.
Jakub
So sorry for your loss. He was a awesome man for the few times I hung out with him. R.I.P Rod.
Jude & Jim Falk
Rod was a unique individual. My husband & I stopped by Rod’s many years ago & Jim was complaining about how quiet his bike was. Rod walks up with a long pipe, tells Jim to hold the bike firmly. He them proceeded to “punch his pipes” with this long rod. Jim was very happy with the sound after that. We will miss you Rod!
Karen Werstiuk
Karen and Donny and all the girls were sad to hear this news. Rest easy Rod.
Edna Suchy
Devin my girl. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. We are hear if you need anything. Condolences to you and your family.
The Koziuks
We will never forget our Nutimik lake neighbor. Rod was a one of a kind, we often referred to him as the resident MacGyver. The man could fix anything and welcomed the challenge. He was a good friend, our family will miss him dearly.
Phyllis Anderson
I’m so sorry he has left us it was a shocker. I thank you for ur kindness.
Thank you rod
Michelle Zajaros
What a loss. Rod was a great friend, grandfather, and many other things. I will cherish every moment spent with him and every laugh (oh, that laugh!) Much love to his family and friends. He will surely be missed.
Christine shuwera
my thoughts and prayers are with you
MARC L PROULX
my condolences to devon , rhys and to all of the family .Rod was a good guy , A good friend and a fellow gearhead to many .he loved to make stuff and made a lot of friends along the way . HE WILL BE MISSED HE WILL BE REMEMBERED REST IN PEACE BROTHER
Trish McLeod
Very sad to hear of Rod’s passing. But I have fond memories. School, camping and growing up, always a great friend. Condolences to his family. RIP Rod
Gordon Rybuck
My sincere condolences to Kim and the extended Gilchrist family. We never rode together but often crossed paths. Rest in Peace Rod!
Peter Evans
Always good times with rod , my thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends
Vasi
Condolences to you and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Martin Mosser
SORRY TO SEE YOU RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET SAFE TRAVELS MY FRIEND MARTOON
Karali
My condolences to the family! He was always so kind and welcomed me into his home with open arms whenever I went to the lake with Devin. He always made me laugh and was always smiling. He was such a good person and I hope he rests in peace.
Lyle Pinchbeck
You will be missed old friend
Michelle Logeot
I would like to offer my condolences to Devon and Rhys and family. I am so sorry to hear of Rods passing. I was fortunate to run into Rod a short while back and get a short visit that enabled us to share a few memories and laughs of years gone by. I’ll treasure that last visit. RIP Rod. Hugs to the kids and grandchildren. ❤️
Lori Browne
My condolences to the family. Rod was such a great guy and will be missed by many. I hope you get to ride on and if you see Lorissa please give her a hug for me.
Kim & Derrick
So sorry to hear …Our deepest condolences to his family.
Jeff Odway
I had not seen Rod in decades and sadly bumped into him at Dermot John Rooney’s memorial last year. While it had been decades since we last rode and seen each other, Rod never forgot a face or the past. We caught up briefly like it was yesterday. A true gentleman, that would lend a helping hand anywhere and anytime. Gone way to soon…..Ride free my friend!
Lorie Shmigelsky and Denis Desautels
Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
Dave and Virginia Low
Our deepest condolences to the family. We will always remember Rod dropping in at our cottage and spending hours laughing and talking .Rod was just a genuine person. We were blessed to have had him in our lives
Rest in Peace
Gay Caithness
So sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family.
Ray and Phyllis
Our condolences to Rod’s family and his loyal friends. He was a friendly, helpful neighbour to us. We already miss knowing he’s not just down the road almost any day of the week.
The Garrioch’s
Very sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Denise Burnell
Our sincere condolences to all to our son Tim who loved him lots
Nutimik Lodge
We would like to send our condolences to Rods family and friends. He was such a nice friendly, caring, helpful man. We loved getting to know him. He will be sadly missed but he will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to all.
Lynn LeRoy
My condolences to your family. I remember that you were a kind person when we went to school.
Old Fart Hippie
I got to know ROD working in the MOVIE Industry with Him & Jim Robertson in transport dept &was impressed who he was as a man who would always spend time to help anyone who needed help in any way shape or form as a result I considered him a friend ” IF EVER I DOUBTED THERE IS HEAVEN LET ME REMEMBER THE GOOD PEOPLE IN MY LIFE” Ride on ROD R I P from OLD FART Hippie
Brenda Nardai
You will never be forgotten Rod! Heaven gained a great soul. Rest in peace my friend! ❤️
Lyle Pinchbeck
You will be missed old friend
Rob Nickel
Was so sad to hear of my good friend Rod’s passing. And am so sorry for his families huge loss. Rod was a great guy and even though l hadn’t seen him in years the news of his passing is very hard to take. Rest easy my friend.
Veanne Gilchrist
My Brother, my mentor, my protector… my Friend.
We’ll meet again…
Alison, Vince and family
We were so sad to hear of Rod’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Kim and the family. He will be greatly missed.
Greg Legall
My deepest sympathy to the family. I have known Rod since the late 70s and early 80s when I had the pleasure of working with him. Lost touch till recently when he came back to the parks and we were so lucky to have him. I always had the deepest respect for him while he put himself to the side and looked after his grand daughter . Rods integrity will be remembered as will his kind nature.
See you down the road my friend.
Peter Kolodka
In my later teen years you were the voice of reason; you took me under your wing when I needed it. You had the best jam space going in 1979, it inspired a lot of up and coming musicians:). You were an idea man who actually followed through on their ideas. We’ll miss your amazing charisma and positive energy Rod. Rest peacefully.
Glen Kirby
Rod was my oldest and most loyal friend. We knew each other since birth, living next door on Knowles Ave. Through all his life experiences, he remained that same person: thoughtful, considerate and ready to help out. Rod was always ready for adventure, too, and would get that mischievous glint when a crowd had gathered for late-night entertainment. I will miss his unique perspectives on music, life and all things mechanical. I will miss his humble good nature. I will miss that laugh coming from deep inside his soul. My deepest condolences to Rod’s family, sister and all the folks who had the pleasure of his company. He was one-of-a-kind.
Veanne Gilchrist
Thank You Glen… he really was.
Christina Russell
R.I.P. to one of the strongest man that I’m proud to call my father. Wish we could have had more time together but you where always there when i needed you especially when it came to my lil gem Saphire. We both will miss you and love you forever.